Operation Lone Star Provides Free Medical Care, Emergency Training

News Release
July 17, 2012

Operation Lone Star, the annual effort to provide free medical care to people in South Texas, returns Monday, July 23 through Friday, July 27. People in need can get services including health screenings and treatments, immunizations for children, student physicals, hearing and vision exams, and dental care at some sites.

“This gives people the chance to see a doctor for basic health care, learn what steps will help them stay well, and get linked to ongoing health services,” said Dr. David Lakey, DSHS commissioner. “It’s also an opportunity for local, state and federal emergency responders to exercise operating public health clinics in a real-world setting.”

Operation Lone Star provides training to the people and organizations that would be involved in setting up and running clinics in the event of a public health emergency. The clinics are a cooperative effort among DSHS and other state health and human services agencies, Texas Military Forces, the U.S. Public Health Service, local health departments and community volunteer groups.

Last year, nearly 10,000 people received medical services during Operation Lone Star, and more than 100,000 people have been helped over its 13-year history.

Dental services will be provided at the Manzano Middle School site, and children’s preventive dental services will be at Ringgold
Middle School. All clinics will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. For more information, call the local health department or dial 2-1-1.